The Tampa Bay Times
The end of the gag grouper season for 2023 occurred at midnight yesterday and now the fishing effort for grouper in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) will move toward black grouper, scamp and some rock hinds. Red grouper closed early for this year, so it seems that most of the grouper hunters will move to other species. Usually, it is the snappers and hogfish that take the impact of the transferred fishing effort. Hogfish are still showing strong populations in the GOM. Most ledges are holding hogfish. These fish are not very wary fish, so the divers have a good chance of spearing these fish once they are located. The mangrove snappers are on most bottom structures and they are a staple fish on many types of artificial and natural habitats. The bigger snappers are going to be the first to hide when a diver is on the hunt. The bigger ones got bigger by being more nervous, and quick to notice dangers, so be ready to shoot! Cobia are showing up as the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool. The big movement of baitfish from the north has persuaded the cobia to follow. Most of the early cobia are of moderate size; however, one of our divers speared a 45 pound cobia just before the last blast of rough weather. Stone crab season opened Sunday and the weather was rough. When the winds slow down the stone crab divers will have an easier time looking for these tasty crabs.
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
